Transportation Authority chief resigns

Jose Luis Moscovich, executive director of the San Francisco County Transportation Authority for nearly a dozen years, submitted his resignation Wednesday, citing health reasons. It is effective Dec. 29.

So what exactly is the authority? No, it’s not the same thing as the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. And, no, it doesn’t run Muni or control taxis. The authority serves a number of functions, starting with the administration of Prop. K transportation sales tax funds, and includes transportation planning. But the lines between the responsibilities of the authority and the agency are often blurry.

The authority is controlled by a Board of Directors, which also happens to be the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Which means that Moscovich’s successor will be appointed by the board.

In the past, there was some talk (but no action) suggesting that the Transportation Authority should be merged with the Municipal Transportation Agency. With a vacancy at the top, could a change be coming?